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The Buckwheat
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The Buckwheat - Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Reading time for children: 6 min

Very often, after a violent thunder-storm, a field of buckwheat appears blackened and singed, as if a flame of fir had passed over it. The country people say that this appearance is caused by lightning; but I will tell you what th sparrow says, and the sparrow heard it from an old willow-tree which grew near a field of buckwheat, and is ther still. It is a large venerable tree, though a little crippled by age. The trunk has been split, and out of the crevic grass and brambles grow. The tree bends for-ward slightly, and the branches hang quite down to the ground jus like green hair

Corn grows in the surrounding fields, not only rye and barley, but oats,– pretty oats that, when ripe, look like a number of little golden canary-birds sitting on a bough. The corn has a smiling look and the heaviest and richest ears bend their heads low as if in pious humility.

Once there was also a field of buckwheat, and this field was exactly opposite to old willow-tree. The buckwheat did not bend like the other grain, but erected its head proudly and stiffly on the stem.

„I am as valuable as any other corn,“ said he, „and I am much handsomer; my flowers are as beautiful as the bloom of the apple blossom, and it is a pleasure to look at us. Do you know of anything prettier than we are, you old willow-tree?“

And the willow-tree nodded his head, as if he would say, „Indeed I do.“ But the buckwheat spread itself out with pride, and said, „Stupid tree. He is so old that grass grows out of his body.“

There arose a very terrible storm. All the field-flowers folded their leaves together, or bowed their little heads, while the storm passed over them, but the buckwheat stood erect in its pride.

„Bend your head as we do,“ said the flowers.

„I have no occasion to do so,“ replied the buckwheat.

„Bend your head as we do,“ cried the ears of corn; „the angel of the storm is coming. His wings spread from the sky above to the earth beneath. He will strike you down before you can cry for mercy.“

„But I will not bend my head,“ said the buckwheat.

„Close your flowers and bend your leaves,“ said the old willow-tree. „Do not look at the lightning when the cloud bursts; even men cannot do that. In a flash of lightning heaven opens, and we can look in; but the sight will strike even human beings blind. What then must happen to us, who only grow out of the earth, and are so inferior to them, if we venture to do so?“

„Inferior, indeed!“ said the buckwheat. „Now I intend to have a peep into heaven.“ Proudly and boldly he looked up, while the lightning flashed across the sky as if the whole world were in flames.

When the dreadful storm had passed, the flowers and the corn raised their drooping heads in the pure still air, refreshed by the rain, but the buckwheat lay like a weed in the field, burnt to blackness by the lightning.

The branches of the old willow-tree rustled in the wind, and large water-drops fell from his green leaves as if the old willow were weeping. Then the sparrows asked why he was weeping, when all around him seemed so cheerful. „See,“ they said, „how the sun shines, and the clouds float in the blue sky. Do you not smell the sweet perfume from flower and bush? Wherefore do you weep, old willow-tree?“

Then the willow told them of the haughty pride of the buckwheat, and of the punishment which followed in consequence. This is the story told me by the sparrows one evening when I begged them to relate some tale to me.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The buckwheat“

„The Buckwheat“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1838 as part of the book „Fairy Tales Told for Children. First Collection.“ The story is brief, focusing on themes related to nature, pride, and humility.

The plot of „The Buckwheat“ centers around a field with various plants, including buckwheat. When a violent storm approaches, the plants react differently to the impending danger. The willows, which bend and sway in the wind, manage to survive the storm unscathed. The humble flowers, which bow their heads and accept their fate, are also spared.

However, the buckwheat, which refuses to bow down and remains upright, is struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The story implies that the buckwheat’s pride and refusal to bend in the face of the storm led to its downfall. In this way, the story serves as a moral lesson about the importance of humility, adaptability, and recognizing one’s own vulnerability.

„The Buckwheat“ is a simple yet impactful tale that reflects Hans Christian Andersen’s ability to craft stories that draw inspiration from the natural world and impart moral lessons. The story serves as a reminder to be humble and adaptable in the face of adversity, while also highlighting the beauty and wisdom found in nature.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The buckwheat“

„The Buckwheat“ by Hans Christian Andersen is a brief yet meaningful fairy tale that conveys important moral lessons through its simple narrative. Here are some interpretations of the story:

The importance of humility: The buckwheat’s downfall, caused by its refusal to bow in the face of the storm, serves as a warning against pride and arrogance. The story teaches the importance of recognizing one’s own limitations and being humble in the face of adversity.

Adaptability and resilience: The tale demonstrates that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for survival. The willows and humble flowers, which bend and bow to the storm, are able to withstand the harsh weather, while the rigid and inflexible buckwheat is destroyed.

The wisdom of nature: The story emphasizes the lessons that can be learned from observing the natural world. The contrasting reactions of the different plants to the storm illustrate the value of adaptability and humility in navigating life’s challenges.

The consequences of pride: The buckwheat’s refusal to bow down to the storm can be seen as a symbol of pride, which ultimately leads to its destruction. The tale serves as a reminder that pride can be a dangerous and self-destructive trait.

The power of vulnerability: By bowing their heads and accepting their vulnerability, the humble flowers manage to survive the storm. This suggests that acknowledging one’s vulnerability and being open to change can be a strength, rather than a weakness.

In conclusion, „The Buckwheat“ offers various interpretations that focus on themes such as humility, adaptability, resilience, the wisdom of nature, and the consequences of pride. Through the simple story of the plants in the field and their response to the storm, Andersen imparts valuable moral lessons about the importance of humility and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The buckwheat“

While „The Buckwheat“ is not as well-known as some of Hans Christian Andersen’s other fairy tales, it has inspired a few adaptations and references across different media. Here are some examples:

Children’s books and illustrations: Illustrated versions of „The Buckwheat“ have been published as part of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale collections or as standalone picture books. These adaptations use vivid illustrations to bring the story to life, emphasizing the themes of humility, adaptability, and the wisdom of nature.

Animation: „The Buckwheat“ has been adapted into animated short films or featured as a part of animated anthology films based on Andersen’s works. These adaptations use the visual medium to portray the plants‘ reactions to the storm and the consequences of their actions.

Audiobooks and radio dramas: Adaptations of „The Buckwheat“ in the form of audiobooks or radio dramas have been created, using voice acting and sound effects to bring the story to life for listeners. These adaptations allow the audience to focus on the story’s themes and messages, using their imagination to visualize the events and characters.

Theater and puppetry: Some theater companies have adapted „The Buckwheat“ as a play or as a part of a larger production featuring multiple Andersen stories. Puppet theater productions have also been created, using marionettes or shadow puppets to bring the tale to life on stage.

Educational materials: „The Buckwheat“ can be found in educational materials that teach children moral lessons and values through stories. These materials may include lesson plans, activities, and discussion guides that help students explore the themes of humility, adaptability, and pride.

While specific examples of adaptations of „The Buckwheat“ may be less numerous compared to some of Andersen’s more famous works, the story’s themes of humility, adaptability, and the wisdom of nature offer opportunities for creative reinterpretations in various forms.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The buckwheat“

„The Buckwheat“ by Hans Christian Andersen has inspired various adaptations and retellings over the years. Here are a few examples:

„The Buckwheat Boy,“ a picture book by Avelyn Davidson and illustrated by Gillian Johnson, retells the story of the buckwheat seed as a journey of self-discovery and transformation for a young boy.

„The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension,“ a science fiction film directed by W.D. Richter, features a character named Buckaroo Banzai who is a neurosurgeon, rock musician, and hero. The film’s title is a playful reference to the buckwheat seed’s journey through different dimensions.

„The Wheat and the Tares,“ a play by Karel Capek, is a satirical retelling of the buckwheat story, in which the wheat and the tares (weeds) engage in a battle of wits and strength for control of the field.

„The Buckwheat Pillow,“ a Japanese novel by Hideo Yokoyama, tells the story of a man who inherits a buckwheat pillow from his grandmother and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he reflects on his family history and cultural heritage.

„The Buckwheat,“ a short film directed by Sean Branney, is a modern retelling of the story in which a man sets out to find the perfect buckwheat pancake and ends up on a journey of self-discovery and reflection.

These adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of „The Buckwheat“ and its themes of resilience, transformation, and community.

Summary of the plot

„The Buckwheat“ is a brief fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen that conveys moral lessons through a simple narrative. The story revolves around a field with various plants, including buckwheat. When a violent storm approaches, the plants react differently to the impending danger.

The willows bend and sway in the wind, adapting to the force of the storm and surviving unscathed. The humble flowers bow their heads, accepting their vulnerability, and are also spared from destruction. However, the buckwheat, which remains rigid and refuses to bow down to the storm, is struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

The tale teaches the importance of humility, adaptability, and the wisdom of nature. By contrasting the reactions of different plants to the storm, Andersen emphasizes that pride and inflexibility can lead to downfall, while humility and adaptability can help one survive life’s challenges.

————

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The buckwheat“

„The Buckwheat“ is a fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who is best known for his other famous works such as „The Little Mermaid,“ „The Ugly Duckling,“ and „The Emperor’s New Clothes.“ Andersen’s fairy tales often contain moral lessons and are renowned for their timeless themes and appeal to both children and adults.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish writer, poet, and playwright who gained international fame for his fairy tales. Born in Odense, Denmark, Andersen grew up in a poor family and struggled to establish himself as a writer. His first published works were poems and short stories, but it was his fairy tales that eventually brought him success and widespread acclaim.

Andersen’s fairy tales often feature elements of fantasy, magic, and folklore, and they frequently include moral lessons. Many of his stories have been adapted into various forms of media, including film, television, and theater productions. „The Buckwheat,“ although not as well-known as some of his other works, similarly contains a moral lesson about the importance of humility and the consequences of pride and arrogance.

The tale was first published in 1838 as part of Andersen’s third collection of fairy tales for children, „Fairy Tales Told for Children.“ The collection also includes other stories such as „The Wild Swans“ and „The Garden of Paradise.“

Interpretations to fairy tale „The buckwheat“

„The Buckwheat“ can be interpreted in several ways, offering valuable lessons and insights:

The importance of humility: The buckwheat’s arrogance and refusal to bow its head like the other plants ultimately lead to its destruction. This highlights the importance of humility and the need to recognize our own limitations.

Respecting nature’s power: The buckwheat’s defiance against the storm represents a lack of respect for the power of nature. By not heeding the warnings of the other plants and the old willow tree, the buckwheat faces the consequences of its own actions. This serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and understanding nature’s power.

The consequences of pride: The story emphasizes the negative consequences of pride and arrogance. The buckwheat’s inflated sense of self-worth and refusal to listen to the advice of others ultimately leads to its demise. This demonstrates the importance of being open to the wisdom and experiences of others.

The value of community and shared wisdom: The old willow tree and other plants try to protect the buckwheat by sharing their knowledge and experiences. This suggests the importance of community, cooperation, and learning from one another in order to navigate through life’s challenges.

The fleeting nature of beauty: The buckwheat takes great pride in its appearance, believing itself to be more beautiful than other plants. However, its beauty is short-lived, as it is destroyed by the storm. This serves as a reminder that beauty can be temporary and that we should not place too much emphasis on external appearances.

Summary of the plot

„The Buckwheat“ is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about the consequences of pride and arrogance. The story revolves around a field of buckwheat, an old willow tree, and the other plants and animals living nearby. The buckwheat, proud of its beautiful flowers, refuses to bow its head like other plants during a violent thunderstorm. The old willow tree, along with other flowers and ears of corn, tries to warn the buckwheat to humble itself, but the buckwheat refuses.

When the storm arrives, the angel of the storm sweeps through the fields. The other plants bow and close their flowers, but the buckwheat, in its arrogance, decides to look up into the heavens when the lightning flashes. As a result, the lightning strikes and blackens the buckwheat, leaving it burnt and destroyed.

After the storm, the old willow tree weeps, its branches rustling and water droplets falling from its leaves. When the sparrows ask why the tree is weeping, it tells them about the buckwheat’s pride and its subsequent punishment. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance.


Informations for scientific analysis

Fairy tale statistics
Value
TranslationsDE, EN, DA, ES, IT, NL
Readability Index by Björnsson29.4
Flesch-Reading-Ease Index80.8
Flesch–Kincaid Grade-Level6.3
Gunning Fog Index8.7
Coleman–Liau Index8.3
SMOG Index8.3
Automated Readability Index6.5
Character Count3.495
Letter Count2.676
Sentence Count38
Word Count653
Average Words per Sentence17,18
Words with more than 6 letters80
Percentage of long words12.3%
Number of Syllables838
Average Syllables per Word1,28
Words with three Syllables29
Percentage Words with three Syllables4.4%
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